Coffee shops and bakeries traditionally use chalkboards to display their daily offerings and monthly promos. Unfortunately, chalk markings get rubbed off quite easily.
Thus, many have turned to dark glass boards and the best markers for black dry erase board. The latter’s inks can stay longer on the surface but are not that difficult to remove. Moreover, you can use them to decorate different surfaces at home.
Here are the three most important features to consider when choosing this type of marker:
Ink formula:
Whether you choose a dry-erase, wet-erase, or liquid chalk marker, you need to keep an eye out for the quality of the ink.
Your marker should have a smooth and consistent ink flow. For the writing to be legible on a dark surface, the ink should also be vibrant and opaque, so you don’t have to go over the lines twice.
Colors:
Inks for black surface materials should be light, bright, or both. This way, you can create a contrast and make the markings more visible. Besides white, you can try using pastels, neons, or fluorescent colors.
Nib shape and size:
The goal of writing on a glass board is to ensure that everyone in your office, class, shop, or home can see the announcements or reminders at a glance from a distance.
To achieve this, you need to write bigger text using broad nibs. Of course, fine point tips have their place—most chalk artists like to use them to add details to their designs.
It’s not enough to simply look for these three features when buying marker sets for black glass boards. In the following sections, I will share my favorite products and each one’s pros and cons. After that, we will get into the other factors to consider and answer some FAQs!
3 Premium-Rated Picks
Chalky Crown CCBCM8 Bold Chalk
Colors: 8
Tip: Chisel and bullet nibs
Ink: Water-based liquid chalk
Chalkola Pastel Liquid Chalk
Colors: 8
Tip: Chisel and round nibs
Ink: Water-based liquid chalk
Table of Contents
7 Top-rated Markers for Black Dry Erase Board
1. Chalky Crown CCBCM8 Bold Chalk
- Number of colors: 8
- Tip: Reversible 6mm chisel and bullet nibs
- Ink: Water-based liquid chalk
Versatility is perhaps Chalky Crown’s strongest suit. It works well for illustrations, signage, and writing announcements on glass notice boards.
As dry-erase chalk markers, these pens’ water-based inks are also free from dust, harmful chemicals, and odor, making them kid-friendly. As a fan of this brand, I love that they work on most non-porous surfaces. The bright colors pop out against dark backgrounds and see-through materials.
As with most chalk markers, these feature reversible nibs. The chisel tip is perfect for creating larger and thicker hand-lettering, while the bullet tip is apt for drawing lines with a consistent width. I only need to shake and pump the tip a few times to get the ink oozing out.
Needless to say, this set is not getting a perfect rating from me, since the yellow marker is not saturated, and I had to add a couple layers to make it appear solid. Thankfully, the rest has better vibrancy as it only takes a single stroke to make the line visible.
The other issue is that the inks leave some residue when I tried to remove them from the glass board with a wet paper towel. I had to try other cleaning products to clean it up further.
- For illustrations, signage, and writing announcements on glass boards
- Free from dust, harmful chemicals, and odor
- Work on most non-porous surfaces
- Bright colors pop out against the dark backgrounds and see-through materials.
- Features reversible nibs and easy usage (pump and shake)
- The yellow marker could be more bold.
- The inks leave some residue.
2. EXPO Neon Dry-erase Markers
- Number of colors: 5
- Tip: Bullet
- Ink: Undisclosed
I have a lot of nice things to say about these Expo Neon Dry Erase Markers. For starters, it is the only set in this review that does not use liquid chalk ink. Though the packaging says that they are intended for windows, these markers work on dry-erase surfaces.
In other words, they are very straightforward to erase. They are most suitable for brainstorming sessions, important meetings, and class discussions. Users can wipe off the inks with a rag once they finish discussing one topic and move on to the next agenda. So far, I have not dealt with stubborn residue.
With neon markers like these, I can write announcements that instantly grab everyone’s attention. Alternatively, I can instantly transform a boring office or residential space into a party venue simply by drawing on windows and mirrors.
Aside from that, making gorgeous hand lettering is effortless, thanks to the bold nibs and vivid colors. I have used the pens to organize my chore list, which is now a breeze to keep track of.
However, my observation shows that the yellow and green shades are nearly identical. This attribute can be an issue for those who want more colors to group information or reminders into categories.
- Works on dry-erase surfaces
- Suitable for brainstorming sessions, important meetings, and class discussions
- No stubborn residue and easy to wipe
- Can transform offices and residential space into a party venue
- Making gorgeous hand lettering is effortless with the bold nibs and vivid colors.
- The yellow and green markers are nearly identical.
3. Chalkola Pastel Liquid Chalk Markers
- Number of colors: 8
- Tip: Reversible 6mm chisel and round nibs
- Ink: Water-based liquid chalk
Chalks are more muted, while liquid chalk markers tend to be more vibrant. But sometimes, I want to mimic the classic chalkboard layout, and these earthy pastel pens help me achieve that look. What makes it even better than chalk sticks is that these chalk pens do not generate dust.
Plus, their pigments work on both porous and non-porous materials. The only difference is that the inks are washable on glass, plastic, ceramics, and other non-porous surfaces while being permanent on fabric, canvas, and wood.
When they’re removable, I only need to wipe the material a few times with a wet cloth, and the markings are gone instantly.
In any case, I’m amazed by how the colors pop out against dark backgrounds. Apart from their lightness, these markers come with reversible tips that feature round and chisel nibs. Normally, I would use the chisel tips to make stylish fonts or color large surfaces, while the round nibs are perfect for all kinds of sketching.
Getting the ink flowing smoothly is easy-peasy. I only have to shake the marker for less than a minute and pump the nib. My only concern is that I end up using more ink, since a single layer of this liquid chalk cannot hide the background nicely. I can only make my work more opaque if I draw twice over.
- Chalk pens that do not generate dust
- For porous and non-porous materials (permanent on the former and removable on the latter)
- Pastel colors pop out against dark backgrounds.
- Equipped with reversible tips (chisel and round)
- Getting the ink flowing is easy-peasy.
- A single layer of this liquid chalk cannot hide the background well.
4. Lana & Luca Liquid Chalk Markers
- Number of colors: 8
- Tip: Reversible 6mm chisel and bullet nibs
- Ink: Water-based liquid chalk
Formulated for non-porous boards, Lana & Luca’s water-based chalk markers offer one of the highest-quality inks bar none. There’s no need to apply several coatings—all eight colors are vibrant and opaque.
They contrast beautifully against reflective objects and dark-colored surfaces. Aside from that, the inks flow smoothly, allowing me to draw and color efficiently.
Perhaps, the best part is that my writing and sketches stay on the black dry-erase board for weeks without fading. I recommend this pack for business owners who need to constantly put out promotions and announcements on windows or glass boards.
Moreover, parents and educators would love this for their kids, since the liquid chalk inks are made of non-toxic chemicals and very unchallenging to clean up.
Best of all, it only takes a few seconds to activate the pen. I’m just mildly annoyed that the marker sometimes sprays a bit of liquid after pumping the nibs. Thankfully, I came up with a workaround to avoid messing up my work.
I would test the marker on scrap cardboard and have a damp rag ready in case I need to clean up. Other than that, I think this set is perfect. The markers feature reversible tips, so I can draw details with the bullet nib and write bold text with the chisel one.
- Formulated for non-porous boards with excellent vibrancy and opacity
- Contrast beautifully against reflective objects and dark-colored surfaces
- Draw and color efficiently with smooth-flowing ink and reversible nibs
- Can stay on the black dry-erase board for weeks without fading
- Non-toxic and a breeze to clean up
- Takes a few seconds to activate the ink
- Sprays a bit of ink after pumping the nibs
5. Starsource Chalk Dry Erase Markers
- Number of colors: 8
- Tip: Reversible 6mm chisel and bullet nibs
- Ink: Liquid chalk
Based on experience, these markers from Starsource are the best writing implements for LED bistro boards. Whenever I need to advertise new products or promos in my shop, I can use them to create eye-catching lettering to attract customers instantly.
That’s because the fluorescent liquid chalk inks would give off a lovely glowing effect when the neon LED lights are on.
Of course, the ink formula is not just for one surface type. FYI, these markers work well on whiteboards, black glass boards, windows, glasses, and other non-porous objects. Amazingly, the colors look vibrant even without the LED light shining on them. Thanks to their high opacity, the inks can pop against dark backgrounds.
Meanwhile, the reversible nibs allow me to use both bullet and chisel tips. Either way, their point sizes are apt for making large-scale illustrations or letterings. More importantly, I can wipe the markings off quickly with a paper towel when it’s time to change the text on the board.
My only issue is that the time needed to activate the ink varies from one marker to another. Some markers take only a few seconds of shaking and pressing, but others require more time.
- Best writing implements for LED bistro boards
- Give off a nice glowing effect when the neon LED lights are on
- Work well on whiteboards, black glass boards, and other non-porous objects
- High opacity with two nibs, apt for making large-scale illustrations or letterings
- Users can wipe the markings off quickly with a paper towel.
- The time needed to activate the ink varies from one marker to another.
6. CDDLR OF-SU-01 Chalk Marker Pen & Dry Erase Markers
- Number of colors: 8
- Tip: Reversible 6mm chisel and bullet nibs
- Ink: Liquid chalk
Admittedly, I got this set of fluorescent liquid chalk markers because it included eight pieces of labels. However, I’m pleasantly surprised that these writing instruments perform superbly across all kinds of non-porous surfaces.
With highly opaque and well-saturated neon inks, I can create announcements that quickly grab people’s attention. Knowing that the ink is formulated for LED writing boards, I can switch on the lights to make the lettering and illustration appear luminescent.
This feature is most useful for business owners—whether it’s a small retail or an indie cafe. In my household, I utilize these markers to decorate different glass windows when celebrating the holidays and label all the mugs in my pantry. The set has been outstanding for art projects as well.
With the safety of children in mind, the manufacturer ensured to concoct the liquid chalk without harmful chemicals like Xylene. Plus, the markers do not emit nasty odors. If my kids make mistakes in their work, I can always remove the ink from the surface with a paper towel.
The only problem I have with these markers is that their nibs start to wear down after using them for a couple of months. Otherwise, I think this set is fantastic.
- Perform superbly across all kinds of non-porous surfaces
- With highly opaque and well-saturated neon inks
- For LED writing boards, pantry organization, art projects, and holiday decoration
- Removable with paper towels
- Designed with the safety of children in mind and labels for convenience
- Xylene and odor-free
- Their nibs start to wear down after a couple of months.
7. Writey Fine Tip Chalk Marker
- Number of colors: 8
- Tip: 3mm Bullet nibs
- Ink: Liquid chalk
What makes Writey’s set different from competing brands is that it offers wet-erase chalk markers with 3mm bullet tips. As such, they are excellent for incorporating details into large-scale illustrations and writing reminders on small bistro boards.
Note that the ink can adhere to any non-porous surface, including glass boards, car windows, metals, and more.
I love using these markers for blackboards in my kitchen. For one, the neon colors are vivid and opaque, popping out gorgeously against dark backgrounds. Besides that, the eye-catching hues make my grocery list more noticeable.
The inks are remarkably wipeable with a wet rag. This ability is a must-have for me, since I can quickly erase purchased items or finished tasks and replace them with new ones.
To be clear, this set is not necessarily for organizing chores around the home. There’s no risk in giving this set to children, since its ink composition is free from dust, odor, and toxic chemicals.
However, I noticed that it takes a minute of vigorous shaking and pumping before the ink starts flowing out of the marker’s nib. Thankfully, the liquid chalk has a nice consistency, so I never have to deal with leaking or skipping inks.
- For incorporating details into large-scale illustrations and writing reminders
- Can adhere to any non-porous surface, including glass and metals
- Colors pop out gorgeously against dark backgrounds.
- Can be wiped off effortlessly with a wet rag
- Free from dust, odor, and toxic chemicals
- No leaks or skips
- It takes a minute of vigorous shaking and pumping before the ink starts to flow.
Factors to Consider When Buying Markers for a Black Dry-erase Board
Longevity
It is worth noting that the list of recommended products in this review includes dry-erase (Expo) and chalk markers (e.g. Chalkola and Chalky Crown). Even though these two types work on non-porous surfaces, they differ in terms of features and functionality.
Chalk markers are more water- and heat-resistant, making them more long-lasting when exposed to the elements. Despite that, liquid chalk markings are wipeable with a damp rag. Hence, they are suitable for temporary signage.
This type of marker is more appropriate for instances when you want to post a sign to announce your shop’s week-long sale or your cafe’s cake of the day.
By contrast, dry-erase markers are erasable with a dry cloth, whiteboard eraser, or your hand. Their inks are not suitable for the outdoors but are great for class lectures or meeting notes, since you can erase the writing once you need to move on to the next topic.
Ease of use
Here are some signs that your markers fail the “ease of use” test:
- First, the ink would not come out unless you shake and pump the marker profusely.
- Second, the ink would splatter everywhere after you take the steps to activate it.
- Or third, it skips when you try to draw a straight line.
Ideally, the markers should not give you a hard time writing, sketching, or coloring. It’s also beneficial to consider the nib type (bullet, chisel, and round) and the thickness of the lines you want to make.
Bullet nibs are excellent for coloring while chisel ones can make both thick and thin strokes.
Multi-surface
It’s vital to note that their ink can stain porous surfaces if you’re not careful
Washability
Dry-erase and chalk markers work on different surfaces such as white erasable board, plastic, mirrors, and metals.
As you probably learned by now, not all liquid chalk inks are removable if you try to wipe them with a damp cloth. This could be a good thing if the artwork or message on the board is intended to be permanent.
But if you plan to change the content of the blackboard now and then, be sure to read user reviews to see which brands of markers are the easiest to clean up.
Safety
A non-toxic formula does not only benefit kids—it’s good for adults, too! Remember that marker inks are made of chemicals, some of which could give off headache-inducing effects. But even if the product is labeled “non-toxic and odorless,” it is recommended that you do not leave your children unattended when they use these tools.
Which Brand of Dry-erase Markers Are Top-rated?
Fortunately, you are not stuck with one brand forever. Numerous manufacturers make high-quality dry-erase markers for blackboard surfaces, namely Chalky Crown, Expo, Chalkola, Lana & Luca, Starsource, CDDLR, and Writey.
Can These Markers Be Used on Other Non-porous Surfaces?
Yes, but make sure the surface is non-porous. The “black whiteboard” you see in a cafe or office is made of low-iron glass or tempered glass, both of which are non-porous.
Meanwhile, untreated wood and fabrics are porous and can absorb the liquid chalk ink, making it difficult to erase the markings. So, if you want to use dry or wet erase markers on these materials, consider whether you plan to create a permanent drawing.
Conclusion
One of the benefits of using the best markers for black dry erase board is that their inks are more vivid compared to the color selection that most chalk manufacturers offer.
What’s more, they can stay vibrant on the glass board after days or weeks. If you’re concerned about health and safety, I’m sure you will be happy to know that these markers do not produce dust.
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
